Both parties agreed on Monday to contribute a total $473 million towards the cost of the build. The council has committed $253 million and the Crown $220 million. Early works on the stadium are expected to begin on-site in 2021.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel says the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena covered stadium is the largest single investment in a community facility in the region.
"This will be an arena for Canterbury, and will ensure the region can once again host major events, including concerts and national and international sporting events,” Dalziel says.
"The Canterbury Multi-Use Arena will be a world-class facility that attracts visitors and revenue from around the country, and will cement Christchurch’s reputation as an attractive, vibrant place to live.
"We now have all the building blocks in place to ensure that we can deliver this project for the people of Canterbury."
The Crown and council had earlier approved an investment case for the arena, with both parties agreeing to contribute a total $473 million towards the cost of the build.
The investment case stated to attract international and national events, the arena will need to have:
- A roof so it can host events year-round.
- Minimum seating capacity of 25,000 (with the potential to add temporary seating for a further 5000 in the future).
- A fixed rectangular turf.
- High quality acoustics.
“The investment case put together by the Christchurch City Council shows this project will be a game-changer for the city and we’re very proud to be leading its delivery," Dalziel said.
The council today published a Request for Proposal on the Government’s Electronic Tender Service (GETS) for the design and construction of the arena. The six-week bid return closes in mid-November.
A company established to manage the construction and delivery of the Arena – CMUA Project Delivery Ltd – has also announced the appointment of three directors to oversee the project.
Christchurch property investor Richard Peebles and Steve Reindler, who has extensive experience in the construction industry, will join Murray Strong on the company’s board. Strong was appointed as board chair of CMUA Project Delivery Ltd earlier this year.
